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Performance Psychology

The Performance Psychology section of the USSA Training Systems covers the mental skills and strategies athletes should develop as they grow older. This area becomes increasingly more important as the athletes move into the later phases. The skier's or rider's mental approach will drive how much they are willing to commit, how hard they will train and how much they will benefit from the training they do. There are many tools the athlete can use to improve their mental strength and these can be trained just like the technical and physical skills of their sport.

While much of the USSA Training Systems is built on the physical development of the skiers and riders, this area factors in cognitive, emotional and social development. Development in these areas is not always in line with a young person's physical growth. Understanding that athletes are individuals, coaches and parents should make a concerted effort to know their athletes and to look at the recommendations for the phases adjacent to the athlete's chronological age to find the best activities to work on with each individual.

Check the tabs above for specific recommendations for performance psychology in each phase.

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Center of Excellence

The Center of Excellence in Park City, UT, is a national training and education center providing world-class facilities and educational resources for the USSA's athletes, coaches, clubs and others.